We are delighted to share some progress footage of our Alexander Avenue, Eaglesham project.
This project consists of the following:
- Demolition of existing rear conservatory.
- Internal alterations to existing kitchen to accommodate new internal layout.
- Formation of single storey extension to rear and side of property.
- Extension and internal alterations to accommodate Kitchen/Dining, Utility Room, Master Bedroom and En-suite.
Byrne Home Improvments are the contractors on this project.
Make sure you consult with a professional at the outset of your project. Architects go through extensive training and have to gain years of experience in the design and construction of buildings. You should not take the view you are going to an Architect merely for a set of drawings. Architects can help you identify your aspirations and needs.
Architects can provide value for money, but it is their professional attention to detail which will achieve value through the most efficient use of space, and careful selection of materials and finishes. Environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency, low running and maintenance costs can bring extra benefits to your project and long-term savings!
‘Designers’ will offer to alter your building. It takes an architect to maximise its potential and to do it with flair, imagination and style.
When you use a chartered architect you are employing someone who has undertaken seven years of professional training, the longest in the building industry. Anyone styling themselves ‘building consultant’, ‘architectural designer’, ‘plan drawer’ and so on is unlikely to be an architect, and does not have comparable skills or knowledge.
Furthermore, deciding to go with an architect you should look to find out what memberships and insurance they have. If an individual or practice is without credentials then they may be operating unregulated.
Houlet Studio spends over £1850 per year on professional memberships and indemnity insurance. Here is a brief description of what we pay for:
“The ARB website describes themselves as the following:
ARB was established by Parliament in 1997 to regulate the architects’ profession in the UK. We are an independent, public interest body and our work in regulating architects ensures that good standards within the profession are consistently maintained for the benefit of the public and architects alike.
We maintain the Architects Register, the official list of the UK’s 42,000+ architects. If someone is not on the Register, they are not an architect – it’s as simple as that. You can be confident architects are highly qualified, hold appropriate insurance and adhere to the professional standards we set out in our Architects Code.”
The RIAS website describes membership as the following…
“Our members receive a wide variety of different services and support from the Incorporation. The demands of architectural practise are increasingly complex and our advisory, legal, technical, continuing professional development and other specialist services are designed to ensure our members are well-equipped to deliver an excellent service to the public.
Chartered architects are the lifeblood of the RIAS. The RIAS exists to act in the interest of our chartered members and through its Council and committees provides many forums for discussion, debate, participation and involvement.
The RIAS offers a wide range of benefits, services and products for architects, students of architecture, construction industry professionals, architectural clients and all those with an interest in the built environment and the design process.”
The RIBA website describes membership as the following…
“As a Member, the RIBA will support you and your work with networking opportunities and everyday practical tools and resources. RIBA sets the standard for educational and professional excellence globally and we have Members all over the world. We shine a light on your work, represent your views and focus on the issues that matter most to you. We campaign hard to protect you and your profession. By joining us, you can help us do more. As a Member you will have access to a wide range of valuable benefits.”
You can find out more about RIAS Small Practice Scheme Professional Indemnity Insurance by visiting the relevant section on their website
“Standard 8 of the Architects Code: Standards of Code and Practice requires that:
Architects should not undertake professional work without adequate and appropriate professional indemnity insurance cover.”
We understand there is often a desire to get the job done quickly and at as low a cost as possible but please take the above into consideration when making your decision on who you get to help with your project.
Did you miss our November 2020 Q&A?
You can watch it retrospectively here:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn notifications on now so you can be reminded of when we are going live!
(If you miss it, you can watch it retrospectively on our channel but you won't be able to ask any questions with live feedback).
Our next broadcast is going to be Sunday 27th December at 11am.
* Disclaimer - All advice is to be used as a general guide. Please seek professional advice from an architect, your local planning and building control department before progressing with any building projects.
As we mentioned last in our last garden renovation post, we were keen to break the job down into stages and to research potential suppliers for each section of the renovation. Neil made an excel spreadsheet that looked to keep tabs on and cover every cost of the job, from skips required to stump grinders to decking and paving blocks.
We quickly realised our budget of £5,000 was going to be very tight, if not unrealistic, but it gave us a target to try and stay near to at least!
Here are some of the suppliers and costs for our garden project so far…
Travis Perkins - 40 Blocks Concrete, 2 Ton Ballasts, 12 Cement, 70 Dolka Brick, 12 Bags Building Sand, 24 edging, 200 flat tops stones, decking, sand, slate and joists - £1415 spent.
Timber Shop - 555 Fencing Slats - £665 spent
Caledonian Pavers - 28 Square metre worth of paving stones - £600 spent
Strang - Lorry with arm for soil removal £380 spent
A.O.K Grab - Hardcore - £300 spent
Dolan - Skip hire £220 spent
Stump grinder hire- £200 spent
East Ren Skip Hire - Skip Hire £190 spent
Greensleaves- Digger £150
Second digger hire - £120
Toolstation - Weed membrane and decking screws - £50 spent.
Machine to bat down the hardcore - £40 spent
Total spent so far: £4330
All labour has been provided by Norrie (Neil’s dad), Neil and Lorna so we have obviously saved money on this front.
Items we still need to buy…
Kerb stones
Fence posts
Bi-fold gate
Turf
Shed
More sand!
The project has drifted in terms of timescales due to Covid-19 so we have had to be patient. If we had appointed a contractor the job done would be complete but as it is a DIY project and we had Neil’s dad’s expertise on hand that is a compromise we have decided to live with to minimise costs.
We will look to post more stories on Instagram and Facebook as we look to push on and get this garden done by Christmas!! So follow us and keep an eye out for the project finishing.